Minecraft will soon be available on more gaming platforms

There are literally thousands of video games out there, some better than others for different reasons. However, true fans will be loyal to their favorite games no matter what.

Now, hardcore Minecraft fans can test out the Minecraft Bedrock beta version, which comes with some limitations, ones that Minecraft is addressing in a recent announcement.

Mojang Studios stated that they have plans underway to retire the previous beta version of the game once Minecraft Preview is fully enabled.

The Minecraft Preview is now available for all Xbox Insiders

UPDATE: All Xbox Insiders are now invited to playtest the new Minecraft Preview on Xbox. In Phase 1, players will import their worlds from the retail version of Minecraft to a Minecraft Preview placeholder product.

During Phase 2, Microsoft will therefore migrate the copied worlds to the brand new Minecraft Preview product which will later replace the Bedrock Beta. 

The Redmond tech giant has a dedicated page, where players can go and get useful information such as:

• Your retail Minecraft worlds will not be affected by participating
• You do not need to own Minecraft to participate in the Minecraft Preview
• The Minecraft Preview is only available on Xbox console at this time

Keep in mind that this is only Phase 1 of the program, and once enough participants have completed Phase 1, Xbox will begin inviting players in small groups to participate in Phase 2.

Here are a few things to know about Phase 2

• Participants will be selected at random (in small groups) and invited to join Phase 2
• The rollout will be gradual, allowing us to gather feedback and data for each new group of participants
• Once we’ve collected enough data, all players will be invited to participate in Phase 2

How do I participate?

1. On your Xbox console, sign-in and launch the Xbox Insider Hub app (or install the Xbox Insider Hub app from the Store first if needed)
2. Navigate to Previews > Minecraft Preview
3. Select Join
4. Wait for the registration to complete to be directed to the Store and install the Minecraft Preview
5. Complete the Quest titled Import Minecraft Worlds in the Xbox Insider Hub app (look for this under Activities)

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We know you probably have some questions about this, as it can seem a bit confusing. Yes, the Minecraft Preview will be a whole entity by itself, not part of the Minecraft Bedrock Edition.

The title will thus be available on multiple platforms, as opposed to the beta version which is only accessible on Xbox, Android, and Windows.

Also, note that the existing Beta program will have some overlap with Minecraft Preview prior to the existing Beta programs being retired.

Moreover, players will get the chance to test Minecraft’s early releases as well as the official Minecraft release using one device. This is a great feat, as the beta version required gamers to constantly subscribe and unsubscribe from the program.

Windows and iOS users will have the first crack at the Minecraft Preview, this being the first time early builds of Minecraft, Bedrock Edition are making a debut on iOS devices.

Developers are currently also working on expanding Minecraft’s horizons to platforms it was never available on, such as PlayStation, or Nintendo.

iOS testing is essential before the game is launched officially, as such, players should get with the program and sign up, but keep in mind that the available slots are limited.

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition will be available on Minecraft Launcher, Xbox Game Pass, and PC Game Pass. The Minecraft Preview can be accessed for free by Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on both Windows and Xbox.

The company responsible for the game also made an announcement that might not please fans. Once in Minecraft Preview, you will no longer have access to the following features:

• Cross-platform multiplayer
• Marketplace (only on some platforms)
• Realms / Featured Servers
• Achievements

Of course, the beta version of the game will continue to receive updates, however, the long-term plan is to have it phased out by the Minecraft Preview.

Game developers actually aim to create an easier and more accessible way to test out the new features expected to come to Minecraft.

Sign up as soon as possible to gain access to Minecraft Preview, though it will get to the various platforms at different times. Starting with iOS and Windows.

Excited to try out Minecraft on any other platform than Xbox and PC? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.